Thessalonica(thessalonians)
Summary
Thessalonica was the largest and most important city of Macedonia, where Paul established a significant church during his second missionary journey.
☩City and Location
Thessalonica was situated at the head of the Thermaic Gulf, rising in tiers from the sea to rocky slopes surrounded by high white walls. Founded by Cassander around 315 BC and named after his wife (Alexander the Great's half-sister), it became the virtual capital of the Roman province of Macedonia. Its position on the Via Egnatia—the great highway from the Adriatic to the East—and its excellent harbor made it the most populous and commercially important city in Macedonia. Strabo called it the most populous town in Macedonia, and Cicero described it as 'posited in the lap of our empire.'
☩Paul's Ministry
Paul visited Thessalonica on his second missionary journey, traveling from Philippi via the Egnatian Road through Amphipolis and Apollonia. He found a Jewish synagogue there and reasoned from the Scriptures for three successive Sabbaths, demonstrating that the Christ had to suffer and rise from the dead. Some Jews were persuaded, along with a great multitude of devout Greeks and leading women. His stay likely extended beyond three weeks, as the Philippians sent him assistance twice during this time.
☩Opposition and Departure
Jealous Jews stirred up a mob from the marketplace rabble and attacked the house of Jason, where Paul was staying. Unable to find Paul and Silas, they dragged Jason before the city magistrates (politarchs), accusing the Christians of sedition—proclaiming another king, Jesus. The politarchs, taking security from Jason, effectively required Paul's departure to keep the peace. The converts sent Paul and Silas away by night to Berea, but the Thessalonian Jews followed and stirred up trouble there also.
☩The Church
Despite his forced departure, Paul's work in Thessalonica produced a vibrant church that became an example to all believers in Macedonia and Achaia. The word of the Lord 'sounded forth' from them like a trumpet throughout the region. Paul later wrote two epistles to encourage them amid persecution and to correct misunderstandings about Christ's return. Several Thessalonians became Paul's companions, including Aristarchus and Secundus, who accompanied him on later journeys.
Related Verses10 mentions
References
- 1.John McClintock and James Strong, "Thessalonica," in Cyclopedia of Biblical, Theological and Ecclesiastical Literature, vol. X (Harper & Brothers, 1867–1887).
- 2.James Orr (ed.), "Thessalonica," in International Standard Bible Encyclopedia, vol. V (Howard-Severance Company, 1915).
- 3.F. N. Peloubet & M. A. Peloubet (ed.), "Thessalonica," in Smith's Bible Dictionary (Porter & Coates, 1884).
- 4.James Hastings (ed.), "Thessalonica," in Dictionary of the Apostolic Church, vol. II (T. & T. Clark, 1915–1918).